Community Services – Service Coordination

Eligibility

Darke DD provides intake and eligibility services to individuals who believe they may be eligible for Board services. This is the starting point in developing a partnership with the Board. If you think you may be eligible for services, please contact us. We will work with you to complete the appropriate eligibility or assessment process. Eligibility will include discussion of the appropriate assessment document so that you clearly understand the process. We will assist you through the entire process.

ELIGIBILITY FOR BIRTH THROUGH AGE TWO

All referrals for children birth to age three are made through Darke County Help Me Grow. Darke DD works in partnership with Help Me Grow to provide developmental evaluations to children who have a suspected delay or who have a medical condition which has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay. Once Darke DD’s evaluation team completes the home-based assessment and determines your child is eligible for services, you will be given options regarding community supports from which to choose. One of the choices for parents is EARLY INTERVENTION services through Darke DD. Children will have their eligibility re-determined at age three for continued services.

ELIGIBILITY FOR AGES THREE THROUGH FIVE

Children age three to five are eligible for Darke DD service coordination if they have at least two documented developmental delays reported in the Multi-Factored Evaluation (MFE) or a medical disorder that is known to cause delays. Children will have their eligibility re-determined at age six for continued services.

ELIGIBILITY FOR AGES SIX THROUGH FIFTEEN

Children age six to fifteen are eligible for Darke DD services if they have a documented history of life- long developmental disability and significant functional limitations in at least three areas of the Children’s Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (COEDI). Eligibility is re-determined at age sixteen for continued services.

ELIGIBILITY FOR AGE SIXTEEN AND ABOVE

Individuals age sixteen and above are eligible for Darke DD services if they have a documented history of life-long developmental disability and significant functional limitations in at least three of seven life areas on the Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (OEDI). Areas evaluated are mobility, receptive and expressive language, self-care, self-direction, capacity for independent living, learning and economic self-sufficiency. Eligibility status may be reviewed at any time if significant change in diagnosis, impairment, or skill has occurred.

NEXT STEPS

If you are eligible, you will be connected to a Service and Support Administrator to begin your person-centered planning process that is based on your vision of the future. If you are found ineligible, Darke DD staff will continue to work with you to identify other community resources to help you. You have the right to DUE PROCESS to appeal the decision. Contact us to get started through the eligibility process.